xvii, 286 pages : 24 cm

"The War of 1812 is etched into American memory with the burning of the Capitol and the White House by British forces and the decisive naval battle of New Orleans. Now a respected British military historian offers an international perspective on the conflict to better gauge its significance." "In The War of 1812 in the Age of Napoleon Jeremy Black provides a dramatic account of the war framed within a wider political and economic context than most American historians have previously considered. In his examination of diplomatic and military events, Black especially focuses on the actions of the British, for whom the conflict was, he argues, a mere distraction from the Napoleonic War in Europe." "Black describes parallels and contrasts to other military operations throughout the world. Throughout, he stresses the domestic and international links between politics and military conflict; in particular, he describes how American political unease about a powerful executive and strong army undermined U.S. military efforts. He offers new insights into the war in the West, amphibious operations, the effects of the British blockade, and how the conflict fit into British global strategy."--Jacket

Includes bibliographical references and index

Introduction -- Paths to war -- The American attack, 1812 -- The attack renewed, 1813 -- The war at sea -- The empire stikes back, 1814-15 -- Consequences -- Conclusions

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